Wang reigns; Unson rallies to 1-shot win

SILANG, Cavite, Philippines  – Wang Jeung Hun cruised to a six-shot romp over Jobim Carlos despite a closing five-over 76 but Andrea Unson came out of nowhere to snatch the women’s crown with a 71 in the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championships at the Riviera Golf and Country Club’s Langer course here yesterday.

Wang, who virtually wrapped up the crown with an eight-shot lead in the third round, matched Carlos’ par-game in the first four holes then went ahead by nine at the turn before slowing down at the back with a 41 for a 76 and four-day total of 290.

“I’m happy,” was all the Korean teener could say after turning in his scorecard and annexing a third local crown in as many tournaments. He also won the Canlubang Am title last year and repeated his mastery of the local aces by beating last year’s national champion Clyde Mondilla by four strokes to win the WWWExpress-DHL crown, also at Cangolf, early this year.

The wire-to-wire victory also made Wang the first foreigner to win the national title since Australian Keith Drago did the feat 42 years ago.

Carlos settled for a 74 and a 296 for second while John Kier Abdon, who shared the first round lead with Wang, skied to 80 for third at 307. Zanie Boy Gialon made a 74 and a 310 for fourth followed by Art Arbole, who had a 311 after a 77.

“It’s really hard playing catch-up especially if it’s him (Wang) leading,” said Carlos, the low amateur at ICTSI-Royal Northwoods leg and the best individual performer in the Montecillo Cup at Malarayat recently.

Unson, for her part, provided the fireworks lacking in the men’s side as she rallied from 10 strokes down to nip ICTSI teammates Chihiro Ikeda and Dottie Ardina by one with a gutsy even par 71 for a 225.

It was the most remarkable comeback in the event’s history with Unson hitting three birdies against the same number of bogeys while saving pars in another challenging day at the par-71 layout.

Ikeda, who led by seven over Ardina at the start of the final round, lost her touch, rhythm and focus after dropping two strokes on the first hole, making four more double bogeys and five bogeys against just two birdies for a pair of 41s and 82 for a 226.

Ardina missed forcing a playoff as she bogeyed No. 18, ending up with a 75 and a 226 while Pavarisa Yoktuan had a 77-230 for fourth and fellow Thai Panita Yusabai finishing with a 79 to tie Claire Legaspi, who had a 78, in fifth at 237.

Dethroned champion Irina Gabasa never recovered from an opening 81 and closed out with an 82 for seventh at 240.

“She just zoomed her way back, we didn’t expect we’ll contend against her,” said Ardina of Unson, who also emerged the low amateur in The Country Club Invitational and the best individual performer in the Montecillo Cup where she spearheaded the Phl women’s title romp.

The event was conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and presented by Pancake House and SOC Land and backed by the Herma Group, Autohub, Great Depot, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.